Can't Get Enough of Jupiter Beach

Jupiter Beach is an idyllic vacation spot to sit back and relax on a sandy beach and do lots of “nothing at all,” but families headed to this Palm Beach County destination who are looking for a bit more than just a laid-back trip will find a few other fun surprises.

Imagine climbing 105 steps to dizzying heights, coming up-close to alligators, enjoying spring training and strolling along a craggy shoreline “discovering” a mini-Grand Canyon right on the Atlantic Ocean’s doorsteps. Jupiter Beach is all about the unexpected amidst an entertaining environment.

And it’s the beachfront, AAA four-diamond, 9-story Jupiter Beach Resort & Spa that is this editor’s number one choice for home base while exploring this delightful destination. As soon as this editor and her family arrived at the resort, in fact, we knew we were home. Recommend the 2-room superior suite accommodations for a family of four as they have a separate bedroom for mom and dad, and a separate living room with pull-out sofa bed (for the kids, of course), as well as two full bathrooms, a definite plus (especially when the girls out-number the boys). And it’s the south-facing suites that are truly idyllic as they overlook the ocean, the neighboring park and the city—the accommodation’s private seating area is the perfect spot to plunk down and just take in the views.

The resort has an Old Florida vibe complemented by smartly renovated accommodations. Guestrooms and suites—there are 168 guestrooms including 34 suites—range from the Sunset View Room with king or double beds, to the over-the-top penthouse with all the must-haves. All accommodations feature classic Island-style decor and rich dark tropical woods, as well as the coziest spot in the rooms—the comfy beds, outfitted with plush bedding with Egyptian cotton linens, down-filled duvets and abundant feather pillows. The high-end marble bathrooms, meanwhile, are equipped with a pedestal sink—giving the rooms a more homey contemporary feel. Other guestroom goodies include a fully stocked honor bar, plush robes and slippers, flat-panel TVs, and complimentary high-speed Internet access (although, this being a family vacation, this might not be a feature mom will want to let dad in on).

Don’t expect major bells and whistles at this resort—and trust us, that’s a good thing. Here, families can truly reconnect, either by hanging out at the oceanside heated pool together (it’s not grand thus creating a nice camaraderie amongst guests), playing tennis on the lighted tennis court, dining together at Sinclairs Ocean Grill (note that it can be a full house for breakfast, with a nice buffet as a menu option) or hanging out for lunch at the open-air Sandbar restaurant. Moms and daughters 18 and over can also indulge with a day at the 6-treatment room spa, which offers an array of individualized treatments because as The Spa says, “we recognize that every guest has their own current [in reverence to the sea], and we cater to each ebb and flow.”

Needless to say, though, the main attraction here is the beach. And indeed, once they’ve gotten the lay of the land in their accommodations and the rest of the resort, families are most definitely going to want to explore the beckoning 1,000 ft. of shoreline. Here, they’ll find a rocky shoreline with tiny cliffs, ideal for sitting down and looking out to the horizon, mini-waterfalls, hidden “coves” and a full-on dune playground that will become a kid favorite, so much so they’ll want to hang out on this pristine shoreline more than the pool.

The resort offers beach service, including the rental of beach and water gear, from beach umbrellas and chairs to kayaks, paddleboards, canoes and more. The resort points out that by offering non-motorized vehicles guests can explore the waters “in an environmentally conscious way.” Additionally, guests of the resort have access to all of Jupiter Outdoor Center’s excursion offerings, including such unique tours as Guided Sunset Naked Eye Stargazing Paddle Tour, Full Moon Tour and Paddle Back in Time, a History Paddle Tour.

Not to miss, too, is an early-morning stroll along the shoreline—anyone who sleeps in late while in an Atlantic Ocean beachfront hotel is missing one of nature’s most spectacular spectacles: the sunrise (we know it’s the sunset that gets all the attention, but a sunrise makes you feel completely renewed). It really doesn’t get any better than this, especially when you experience it with a dewy-eyed kid. Add to that the cool morning breeze on one’s cheek, breathing in the fresh ocean air and looking for colorful seashells before the beach crowd takes over. And a summer highlight that kids of any age will enjoy are the guided night beach tours of sea turtle nests.

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